Tag: Kris Anka

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This week’s New Comic Book Day Reviews brings us a quartet of books that we feel comic reader should check out. From Dark Horse we’ve got Black Hammer #9, Valiant brings us their next big story arc with Rapture #1, we take a trip with Peter Quill in Marvel’s Star-Lord Annual #1 and DC brings us home with Detective Comics #957.

As a reminder these are only a few of the awesome comics that came out this week. Check out our other blog articles so see our thoughts on other books. Be sure to comment or share our post on Facebook or Twitter if you like our articles!

SPOILER ALERT — We try to keep from posting spoilers, but one may sneak through to our reviews now and again. Read with caution, true believers.

Black Hammer has to be one of the most exciting “Golden Age” superhero tales in a long time. As it slowly unraveling why everyone is stuck at Black Hammer Farms. Black Hammer #9 delves into how Talky-Walky and Colonel Weird met.

Distress signals in space never seem to be a good thing, unless it’s meeting your best friend. It’s hard to say that this issue of Black Hammer was a fun read. However, that’s mainly due to what’s been happening throughout the series. It was great to see how Talky-Walky and Colonel Weird met.

Jeff Lemire knows how to craft a solid story and this entry clearly shows his fondness to the golden age of comic adventures.[Martin M. at TFAW.com]

That was a fun ride. I always enjoy annuals for the small break it typically gives us from the norm. Chip Zdarsky’s Star-Lord Annual #1 is no exception.

In classic Western fashion, our hero finds himself in a small town run by bullies. And we all know Star-Lord isn’t a huge fan of bullies. So what does he do? Joins the Sheriff to take him and his gang down. There’s more to it than that, but I don’t want to spoil it. Star-Lord Annual #1 is a fun ride. While I wouldn’t mind more Space-Westerns with Marvel Characters. The story here ends well and fits into where we are in the comics right now. No, this isn’t any weird Secret Empire tie-in or anything like that. I will say that it does, tie into events that have transpired and this issue did leave me with a sad, but hopeful feeling. Much like great westerns do. [Martin M. at TFAW.com]

If you’re like me and haven’t read a lot of the new Valiant books, a crossover story like Rapture #1 seems a bit daunting. While I enjoy X-O Manowar, I’m not that familiar with the other fascinating characters in Valiant’s stable. However, Rapture #1 by Matt Kindt is an excellent jumping on point for new readers while still offering something that longtime Valiant readers can sink their teeth into.

Rapture #1 focuses on four characters: Tama, Ninjak, Punk Mambo and Shadowman. Kindt gives each character a unique voice and the reason these characters come together is compelling. It’s definitely made want to check out some more stories featuring Shadowman and Punk Mambo.

Artist CAFU knocks it out of the park, making each location feel unique. You’ll feel the stench of death oozing out of the Deadside.

Rapture #1 is another excellent Valiant comic. This company continues to churn out hit after hit. If you’ve yet to get onboard with Valiant, Rapture #1 is your chance to do so. [Josh P. at TFAW.com]

Detective Comics #957 is something you don’t often see in today’s comic books: a standalone story. James Tynion IV presents us with a brief interlude between arcs with “The Wrath of Spoiler,” a story that follows Spoiler (obviously).

The story that Tynion IV tells here is one that is often talked about among creators: Does just the mere presence of Batman bring about crime? Would these villains exist if they didn’t have Batman to challenge them? Spoiler seeks to answer that question as she fights against an updated Wrath and Scorn, a team of villains who are looking to make a name for themselves.

The art by Carmen Carnero is refreshingly old-school in all the best ways and is some of the best art I think we’ve seen in Detective Comics yet.

The payoff for this story won’t happen for a few months, but the surprise reveal of a forgotten Batman villain in the last few panels will have the community talking. Don’t miss this issue! [Josh P. at TFAW.com]

This week we look at two Guardians, Titans, our favorite Slayer and the terror of the deep, Hook Jaw. There were many more comics that came out this week. Check out our other blog articles so see our thoughts on other books. Be sure to comment or share our post on Facebook or Twitter if you like our articles!

SPOILER ALERT — We try to keep from posting spoilers, but one may sneak through to our reviews now and again. Read with caution, true believers.

Things are tough for Peter Quill. After the events of Civil War II, the Guardians are stranded on Earth and have gone their separate way for the time being. Kitty Pryde has broken things off with Peter, and the only other person he knows who isn’t missing, dead, or crazy is Howard the Duck. Yeah, you’d be depressed too.

Chip Zdarsky is in a fine form combining his incredible sense of humor with such relatable and human scenarios. He makes you forget you’re reading a superhero comic when you’re obviously reading a superhero comic. Kris Anka’s pencils expertly transition from the comical and conversational aspects to stunning bar battles with ease.

Packed full of guest stars, Star-Lord #1 is a great day-in-the-life book. Just in time to get people primed for the new Guardians of the Galaxy movie in just a few months. Don’t miss it. [Mikey N. at TFAW.com]

This is a natural extension of the Buffy TV show, and I’m excited to see where they take us this season. As always, Rebekah Isaacs’ (Angel and Faith, Buffy Season Ten) art is unique and fun, but remains true to who the characters are. I’m excited to see **** and Buffy in a relationship where they bring out the best in each other. She deserves that. [Josh C. at TFAW.com]

Beast Boy snifs out the future in the first story, and ends up partying with Raven’s Dad! With a few LOL moments, Paul Morissey and Heather Nuhfer made a fun 6-page story that fits right in with the TV shorts.

“The Herring King” is the second short we get in this $2.99 issue. We find out Beast Boy has a pet Herring (Mentioned in “Coming Soon Comics” issue #12 which has the cover of Teen Titans Rebirth). His herring is sad and they’re taking him home to Springenstandt where they meet characters that resemble Thor and work for a S.H.I.E.L.D. type organization.

Set long before she ever became of Guardian of the Galaxy, Gamora #1 explores the life of the daughter of Thanos. Back when they were still on speaking terms. A lot of times prequel stories can come across as forced, or containing information that’s not really needed. Gamora, on the other hand, I feel is a great character to explore since not much has been revealed about her time with Thanos. What we get to see in this book is going to be a definitive mission for the character.

Nicole Perlman captures the voice and tone of the character perfectly. Gamora walks the line between the most dangerous person in the galaxy, split between morality and loyalty to the father she hates. Exploring this is one of the most exciting aspects of the book. Marco Checchetto’s art just keeps further defining him as one of the best pencilers currently working in the industry.

If you’re looking for a brutal book that gets into the past of one of Marvel’s rising stars, Gamora #1 is a must read. [Mikey N. at TFAW.com]

From the pages of the British anthology comic Action (which only lasted a year due to its controversial violence) comes Hook Jaw. A new series from Titan Comics. Who’s no stranger to revitalizing old British Comics (see Johnny Red).

Hook Jaw introduces us to a crew of a research ship who are trying to prove that Great White Sharks have cooperative behavior. The blood-soaked first issue also gives us a 2 page history of Action and Great White 101. Now I know what you’re thinking. “Isn’t this JAWS as a comic?” and you could say that. What separates this series from JAWS, is that Hook Jaw speaks. Now I don’t mean a Finding Nemo kind of way. We get a tidbit of what’s going on in their head.

I was intrigued by the premise when I heard about this series months ago and Si Spurrier, Conor Boyle and Giulia Brusco did not disappoint. I will definitely be keeping up with Hook Jaw as they tear through our ship of survivors. [Martin M. at TFAW.com]

In the wake of the events of Marvel’s Civil War II, the Winter Soldier has been arrested and imprisoned by S.H.I.E.L.D. But Bucky Barnes has a secret plan to prevent the assassination of his best friend Steve Rogers. To accomplish that, he’s busted the Thunderbolts out of Pleasant Hill. They were all serving time for masquerading as a team of superheroes while they had ulterior motives that were anything but heroic.

Bucky’s secret plan has obviously backfired, leaving the outlaw team with a difficult choice. After being left in the dark about his intentions, Marvel’s Most Wanted must decide whether to rescue their new leader or leave him to rot. After having previously suffered under the leadership of Baron Zemo and Norman Osborn, the weight of this decision is crushing.

Bucky’s on His Own

Meanwhile, in the basement of Holding Facility Obfirmo-4, Bucky is about to be grilled by the very man he has risked everything to save. Cap’s heel turn hasn’t yet been discovered. Everything is about to go sideways when the Star-Spangled Avenger plays on Bucky’s love for him with four little words. “Do you trust me?”

Thunderbolts #7opens the new story arc Caught Red-Handed and is the first Thunderbolts issue in Marvel NOW! That makes this a brilliant jumping on point.

Regardless whether you’ve kept up with the events of Marvel’s Civil War II, writer Jim Zub does a fantastic job catching the reader up without over explaining plot points that have brought us to this chapter.

Sean Izaakses’s penciling style and Matt Yackey’s color lend a throwback feel to this re-imagined classic from 1997, And it compliments Zub’s writing style perfectly. Izaakse’s body language, ambulation, and facial expressions are spot on. Be sure to look in the background of this one. Some of the extras’ reactions are priceless.

Has it really been a week since our last New Comic Book Day comic book review? Man, time flies. Here are a few of this week’s new releases that stood out from the crowd. Check out our other blog articles so see our thoughts on other books. Be sure to comment or share our post on Facebook or Twitter if you like our articles!

SPOILER ALERT — We try to keep from posting spoilers, but one may sneak through to our reviews now and again. Read with caution, true believers.

Beyond Burnside continues as Batgirl tries to decode the cryptic words in the last issue from the mysterious Fruit Bat. Barbara’s path leads to train in mixed martial arts in an attempt to get over her past. As she takes a beating in the ring, things start heating up between her and Kai, which might be a little more than she, and Kai can handle. What Babs quickly discovers is that even her years of training and experience still can’t prepare her for what’s next.

Hope Larson delivers another issue that balances the brains and determination Batgirl is known for, with the melodrama that makes her such a great character for all ages. Rafael Albuquerque’s art does a great job balancing each scene by being wide and dynamic during fights, but soft and fun during personal moments. Batgirl brilliantly separates itself nicely from the Earth-saving feats in the other Rebirth titles in exchange for a personal and relatable journey. If you’re looking for a fun story with a resourceful character, Batgirl #2 will treat you well! [Mikey N. at TFAW.com]

Carol Danvers is torn. She wholeheartedly believes that the predictive justice movement is saving lives, but she’s being questioned (by virtually everyone) at every turn. She remains committed to the cause, but the pressure is starting to get to her and the seeds of uncertainty are starting to get to her. This issue of Captain Marvel dovetails in very well with the events that have been unfolding in the pages of Civil War II as Ruth Fletcher Gage and Christos Gage prove a strong grasp of Danvers’ motivations.

You can really feel that we’re getting dangerously close to a boiling point (as if the events in Civil War II #3 hadn’t heated things up enough), and the events that unfold in this issue only add more uncertainty for Carol and the crew. Captain Marvel #8 has some great character moments with Captain Marvel, Black Panther, and Hawkeye. Looking forward to next issue! [Josh C. at TFAW.com]

Greg Pak’s latest book opens with an alternate look at the United States. With the West Coast being divided mainly between Mexico and the Chinese. We’re given a bit of information in this world. Where Magic and Monsters exist alongside something called Red Gold – a mystical mineral that lives underneath the surface of the earth much like salt and gold.

We’re introduced to our protagonist – in the same way most westerns start out – a mysterious man who is being hunted and has his hand forced into doing something he doesn’t want to do. The first issue jumps ahead several years in different spots, which isn’t a problem when setting up the environment of the story. Kingsway West #1 has the promise to be an excellent Western with magic/mystic influence. [Martin M. at TFAW.com]

This issue is great for old and new readers of the famous Slade Wilson aka Deathstroke. Writer Christopher Priest makes sure to bring every angle of Deathstroke’s personality through time and captivate our interest of what the heck is going on! It seems that Slade’s partner, WinterGreen is stuck in a time loop and the president’s life is in danger. This problem has Deathstroke’s name written all over it, but where is he?! With a mix of action and snarky humor, this is a great start to the new Deathstroke series. [Darcey M. at Univseral Citywalk TFAW]

Lottie is a very self-obsessive person and Bryan Lee O’Malley does and excellent job showcasing that. He writes her in a way that reads as if we are reading one of her blogs – she writes her blog exactly how she thinks.

In this second issue, we get a little more information on what is going on in Lottie’s life, from her boyfriend status to what the heck is going on with her stalker?!

Leslie Hung again does a fantastic job with the art of this book. I really enjoy the sense of style she brings to this series. If you are missing the humor that Bryan Lee O’Malley delivers in books like like Scott Pilgrim and Seconds, then this is a series you should be reading. It’s not all about selfish fashion bloggers, she’s got bigger problems than that. Snotgirl #2 keeps the narrative running even if you try and wipe it away.
[Martin M. at TFAW.com]

What did you think of these books? What should we review next week? Let us know below!